Position Description

INTRODUCTION

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is pleased to invite applications for an open-rank, tenured, or tenure-track faculty position in the School of Engineering with a focus on Engineering Education Research.  Candidates may have a background in any of the engineering disciplines represented in the School (see https://engr.uconn.edu), in addition to Engineering Education, STEM Education, or another closely related area. Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) is a growing area of interest at UConn, with discipline-based education researchers across several science and engineering disciplines. There is a strong track record of educational research on campus, and partnerships with educational researchers in the nationally recognized Neag School of Education are common (https://education.uconn.edu/). Discipline-based education researchers on campus also collaborate with the University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) (https://cetl.uconn.edu).

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to research and scholarship through extramural funding, high-quality publications, impact as measured through citations, and national recognition such as honorific awards. The successful candidate will share a deep commitment to the development and implementation of effective instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the development of new and innovative courses and instruction methods in their core discipline as well as in Engineering Education, and mentoring of students in research, outreach, and professional development. Successful candidates will also be expected to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through research, teaching, and/or public engagement the commitment to, and support of, diversity in the learning experience; integrate multicultural experiences into instructional methods and research tools; and provide leadership in developing pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interests.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An earned Ph.D. in an engineering discipline, including engineering education, STEM education, or a closely related field; a proven record of excellence in teaching; and, depending on rank and experience, a demonstrated track record (or potential thereof) of successful research and scholarship, and a deep commitment to promoting diversity through their academic and research programs. Equivalent international degrees are acceptable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated experience in educational research methods as applied to engineering and higher education settings. Educational research in areas of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as they intersect with elements of engineering education are especially welcome. An outstanding record (or potential thereof) of research and scholarship excellence; commitment to effective teaching, integrating technology into instruction, online instruction; the ability to contribute through research, teaching, and/or public engagement to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenured, or tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2023. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Faculty may also be asked to teach at one of UConn’s regional campuses as part of their ordinary workload. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/22171 and submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research and scholarship statement (innovative concepts that will form the basis of academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.)
• Teaching statement (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.)
• Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.)
• Sample journal articles or books
• Contact for 3 references (name and email, no actual letters required at this stage)

Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately and continue through the fall semester. Applications received by December 1, 2022, will receive full consideration. For more information regarding the School of Engineering, please visit the website at https://engr.uconn.edu.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.